Top 10 Things to Do in Japan in December

December is one of the best months to visit Japan as there are numbers of special events held across the country from big Christmas celebrations to gorgeous winter illuminations. If you need some travel tips, check out my list of the 10 best things to do in Japan in December!!

1. Winter Illumination

Winter illuminations are definitely country’s top attraction in winter months. Numbers of illumination events are held across Japan, and you should definitely visit them as many as you can! Some of illumination events are available till Christmas while many of them run after new year.

2. Christmas Markets

The best way to celebrate the winter holiday season is by drinking hot wine and munching some German sausages, don’t you agree?? There are several authentic Christmas Markets in Tokyo open during Christmas season where you can simply have a good time with delicious Christmas food, hot wine, Christmas tree and decorations.

3. Ice Skating

Ice skating is one of most wintry and festive activities this season, and Tokyo has several outdoor ice skating rinks in a central area. Have a great time with festive ice skating rinks with hot snacks, drinks and illuminations.

4. Onsen

Onsen is one of must-do things in Japan for every tourist through the year, but the best season to enjoy it is winter. The hot onsen bath feels so much better when outside is cold, and even better when the bath is outdoor. In the mountains and the northern part of Japan have numbers of Onsen spots where you can enjoy watching snow while bathing!

5. Chichibu Night Festival

Chichibu Night Festival or Chichibu Yomatsuri(秩父夜祭) is a traditional festival held in Chichibu City from 1st to 6th December annually. The takes place at Chichibu Shrine in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture which can be accessed around 90 mins from central Tokyo. Although the festival lasts for 6 days, the main events are held on 3rd December displaying a parade with massive floats and fireworks

6. Ski/Snowboarding

Japan is one of the best countries for snow activities, and ski and snowboarding are a huge attraction even for foreign visitors. There are several world-class ski resorts offering great courses and fine quality powder snow especially in Hokkaido and Hakuba (Nagano Prefecture). There are several great ski resorts accessible from Tokyo, too!

7. Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro

The traditional illumination event held in Kyoto Arashiyama area. The event takes place for 10 days in mid December (the date: 13 to 22 December 2019), and illuminations are displayed at some of famous landmarks of Arashiyama area including the Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge.

8. Disney Christmas

Numbers of special events are held at Tokyo Disney Resort (Disneyland and DisneySea) through the year, but the best one comes at the end of the year! Disney Christmas brings 100% Christmas vibes as the whole park will be decorated with the Christmas theme from early November to 25th December.

9. Hot Pot Dishes

There are several winter seasonal foods in Japan, but our favourite is definitely hot pot dishes. Hot pot dish is called Nabe in Japanese which comes with multiple ingredients in various kinds of flavours. Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki are also popular dish which are kind of hot pot dish.

10. Countdown Events

Don’t miss the grand finale of the year on New Year’s Eve! Celebrating the coming year is one of the most exciting things in winter. There are numbers of parties and events from 31st December to 1st January including Universal Studios Japan countdown party and Tokyo Bay cruise with fireworks!